Virginia Auto marks 20 years with a party

March 2015

Virginia Auto Service, an award-winning auto repair shop in Phoenix, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a public open house 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the shop, located at the northwest corner of 7th Street and Virginia Avenue.

Activities include a live remote broadcast of KTAR’s “Bumper to Bumper Radio,” as well as raffle and door prizes, a barbecue lunch, dunk tank and other games, and a blood drive for United Blood Services. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Matt Allen was just 24 years old when he discovered an auto repair shop for sale. Although the building was boarded up and in need of many repairs, through Allen’s eyes, the shop looked like his lifelong dream come true. So with a little money, and a lot of elbow grease, Virginia Auto Service opened its doors.

Over the last 20 years, Virginia Auto Service has weathered several storms including a devastating arson fire in 2004 that almost destroyed the shop. Through it all, Allen has persevered and built a business that has won several awards.